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 Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:57 pm
He'd set out hunting a little later on, for now he was happy to get in a little more rest.
Nukta lay there under the shade of a young tree, he and Adanna's daughter lying at his side. She'd insisted on coming along to see if she could learn anything about hunting. They'd made it all the way out to the grasslands near the watering hole, and currently were resting up on a grassy knoll while Nukta had explained the basics.
He gazed over and down at his daughter through peacefully-colored olive eyes, passive for once. Some time ago she'd dozed off for a rest, tuckered out from the long trek. Now she lay there, looking innocent as all get out...
~Heh... that's about the only time she looks innocent, is when she's sleeping. Just like her mother.~ He thought fondly, a wry smirk pulling at his muzzle.
Mosi yawned, shifting positions yet again in her sleep, so that now she was lying on her back against his side, fore paws reaching out and up as if preparing to bat something right out of the air. She mumbled something about pudgy rats and drifted right back off to sleep, causing the large male beside her to give a hearty chuckle, muscles flexing with his laughter. Yeah, today was definitely a good day for relaxing and lessons.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:08 pm
There were a few things quite wrong with the scene Ezeoha's eyes beheld.
Problemo Numero Uno: Nukta was there with Mosi.
Problemo Numero Duo: Mosi was asleep, therefore he could not flirt with her, though she did look admittedly adorable.
Problemo Numero Three-o?: Nukta was there with Mosi.
Alright, so Uno and Three-o were one in the same, but Nukta did present a bit of trouble. Never would Ezeoha be allowed to openly flirt with Mosi in Nukta's presence, and leave unharmed. The older lion was quite posessive over his daughter. Really, Ezeoha was beginning to believe that if he started flirting with Jini, Nukta wouldn't care. Not that he would. But it would be interesting to see how Nukta would take it.
Ezeoha's preference remained solely with the female gender, especially under the classification of 'Mosi'.
The cub yawned, strolling lazily over to where Nukta and Mosi rested underneath a tree. He would not dare disturb Mosi. But, there were some gain to be made. Perhaps he could get Nukta to trust him a little more, and perhaps he'd even be able to get a few flirtatious comments over to Mosi, when she awoke, without being beaten today.
"It's a nice day, ain't it, Nukta-sir?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:28 pm
Nukta's passive expression slowly began to melt. Relaxation slipped through his paws and made way for a disbelieving look of irony. The way the adult's eyes and maw sagged at the corners now you'd swear he just gotten lectured by Adanna for something redundant.
The reason? Ezeoha approaching from the distance.
From day one "Ezzy's" presence had been trying on Nukta's good nerves. He would never forget the brazen manner in which such a young cub had shamelessly thrown himself at Adanna's paws, lavishing compliment after compliment upon her oblivious crown of a head. That had been his only saving grace, for Nukta was well known for not handling insecurities such as anger and jealousy very well. Adanna had thought it "weird", and several times Mosi had come home snorting about how "weird" Ezzy could be sometimes. Perhaps it was a continued saving grace, then, that Adanna's ignorance in that department had been passed on to their daughter.
In that case, Jini surely had gotten all the brains that the two parents could spare.
Nukta-sir... It was enough to put the adult on his guard right away. "Alright Ezzy, what do you want?"
... Yes, sad it seemed, that Nukta was so unaccustomed to recieving a kind word from the little Grandprince, that he knew that they were only used when Ezeoha was plotting something. Just like that whole "Roguish prince" thing, back when he was trying to convince Nukta and Adanna to stay with the Pride.
Something else that Mosi had aquired, apparently, was her mother's refusal to be roused. She muttered something about birds and fell from her back and onto her side, then her stomach, curling up into a ball in the crook of Nukta's. Short of physical violence it seemed like nothing ever woke the two up. How could they sleep so hard?! D<
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:39 pm
Ezzy?
The cub snorted. He prefered it when women called him Ezzy, but when Nukta put the nickname into use it seemed as if he used it with scorn. Ezeoha had done nothing wrong, as of yet. Sure his mind was conjuring up evil little plots, but he hadn't really put any of those plots to action. There was no reason for Nukta to be so suspicious. After all, Ezeoha was just a young and innocent cub, looking for some elderly guidance. His father, admittedly, was never around.
Oh, he stored that little tidbit for future use. The pity effect always worked on females, and he was sure that he'd make even the toughest of males crumble at the tale of his horrible life without a father.
"I just want to chat, nothing else." His voice was cool, but his choice of words suggested that there were some ulterior motives. Nukta wouldn't have a hard time figuring out what they were. Ezeoha's mind always centered around one thing, and even the males were beginning to learn of the cub's adventures.
"It is a pity, I daresay, that Mosi is asleep. She is a must more trusting friend and amiable companion. At least she doesn't look at me with disgust," and a meaningful look was shot at Nukta, "every time I'm around."
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:02 pm
Nukta returned Ezeoha's earlier gesture and snorted as well. He wasn't about to start buying into the guilt game, though he would probably argue that he hadn't always looked at Ezeoha with disgust.... just distrust.
"And I'm supposed to be delighted that you've come all this way just to 'chat' with Mosi, right?"
Damn straight, the boy's mind was only ever on flirting and gods only knew what else-- Nukta really didn't care to think about it, especially given Ezzy's intense intrest in their daughter. Why couldn't he have sired all boys? >_>
His eyes narrowed at the younger cub for a moment, scrutinizing. Ezeoha had done nothing to hurt Mosi yet, but the fact that yet was still a keyword put Nukta very much on edge. She was HIS babygirl, just as Jini was HIS baby boy, and he wouldn't see any harm or hurt befalling either of their children, not after what he and Adanna had both gone through... the loss of loosing everything dear to them. He loved both equally, but truth be told he was twice as protective over Mosi if only for the fact that she reminded him so much of the brother he'd abandoned. Past regrets never really leave you.
His gaze averted quickly to the sleeping bundle at his side, and Nukta wasn't sure what to do. She gained more independence every day. She already resented the restrictions that were placed on them, and those were no different than any other parental guidelines! (According to Bhakti anyway,) What was he going to do when she finally put her paw down? Nukta was no fool. He knew that she was unjudgemental and loyal to a fault. She'd defend any of them to the last, even from one another. So much like her mother...
"Let's clarify one thing, Ezeoha." He suddenly muttered, looking sternly at the younger male who-- damn... --was growing a little more every day. "I don't care if you're royalty or not. Mosi is too young for your games, and if you hurt her..."
One... two... three... four... five claws including his smaller toe's nail came unsheathed on one paw, clawing at the dirt a little tense.
"it'll be me you deal with after her mother is done with you."
He could laugh it off if he wanted, but, biggrin ;; it was not an empty threat. Nukta was beyond wise enough to know not to seriously piss off his mate. He wasn't stupid enough to think that he'd get to the boy first if such an event rose, and truthfully he hoped it wouldn't come to that. He wanted Ezeoha to know that too. What parent would be eager for such an excuse?
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:11 pm
"Not just with Mosi, but you, sir." His tone became polite once again, and he had acutely picked up the rising anger in Nukta. The cub was doing everything within his power to keep Nukta from going haywire and slicing him up into little bits. He hadn't even gotten to flirting with Mosi yet and her father was about to throw a hissy fit!
"Priss," he muttered under his breath, a bit disgruntled by Nukta's refusal to be decent to him.
Ezeoha had grown a lot in his few months of life. Already the beginnings of a mane was beginning to show, though he was a long way off from growing a full one. He was bigger too, and had a little more muslce on him than the last time he had 'talked' with Nukta. But, one thing was sure, Ezeoha was more sleek than bulky. He wasn't going to turn out as a macho-man, which could disgruntle Nukta more. Women did seem to prefer nicely rounded men, and Ezeoha was destined to look exactly what their dreams had created.
Heck, now Nukta was using his full name, and Ezeoha could not decide which one he prefered. He was beginning to think he'd be happier if Nukta didn't address him at all and let him be. His mouth opened in immediate defense, but no words broke through. He was staring dumbly at the claws Nukta was holding up, and he was beginning to feel nervous.
He hadn't even done anything yet!
"I would never hurt your daughter, or anyone, except those who go looking for trouble. I don't see why you hate me so much. Am I really that bad? I may be different, but there has to be some good qualities to me, right, right?" He seemed upset now, and something odd was occuring... He was beginning to cry. Whether these were fake tears or not, Nukta would have to discover for himself.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:40 pm
He twitched at the Priss comment.
"I've yet to see very many of them for myself." Nukta replied calmly, not allowing himself to show any remorse on the outside. It was sad that from the very start he'd thought Ezeoha to be the type to use any means of charm possible to get his way. It certainly made being around him more trying. "Maybe if you spent a little more time letting me get to know you and less time trying to warm up to us and Mosi, I would be less wary." He muttered, resheathing his claws. He forced himself to let his fur relax, to look less intimidating. It was so damn easy to forget that Ezeoha was just a cub...!
Nukta sighed roughly, rubbing his paw over his eyes.
"You're going to have to proove that your intentions are unquestionable."
Mosi yawned, oblivious to the distress going on. It did seem like she'd have decent timing, however, as she was at least rousing enough to blink blearily at her surroundings.
~Huh...?~
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:47 pm
"I've been trying, but you wont let me! What do you think I'm doing now! If I was that desperate to talk to Mosi I would've woken her up, but I wanted to talk to you, so you'd get to know me a little more!" His voice raised in volume, wracked with distress. Perhaps his tears were genuine. He had never met someone so set out to hate him. That was what it seemed like; Nukta hated him.
It was easy to get females to like him, but when it came to having friends who were male that he could romp and joke around with, it was awfully difficult for the cub. The only male he talked with frequently was his own brother, Baakir.
He was crying now, oblivious to the fact that Mosi was rousing. "I'm trying! I swear I am! You're just mean, and big, and UNFAIR! GOT THAT! UNFAIR!?" He wasn't used to crying, wasn't used to being so distressed. To try and push this zone of uncomfort away, he was resorting to anger, something that he knew considerably better.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:08 pm
Now Nukta could handle anger, he was used to that. Adanna and Mosi both lashed out in annoyance when they were vulnerable. It was a common defense mechanism between three of the four family members, and it seemed Ezeoha as well.
So, Nukta decided to let him vent uninterrupted. He still wasn't believing it. Nukta was going to need to see it, and at the moment, Ezeoha was too upset to demonstrate it.
Thank whatever deity was up there that Adanna wasn't there to see this. >_>;; But someone else just as dangerous was.
"Ezzy...?" Mosi mumbled, voice bleary.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:22 pm
His ranting became nonsenscial. Somewhere along the lines he ranted about his father, about his siblings who he rarely spent time with, about some gay purple lion, about everyone else he had met. Yet it was hard to make out the details of his rant he was so far gone into it.
He suddenly stopped though, blinking away tears as he turned his head to stare at Mosi. "YOU! You've probably told your dad to be so mean to me! Am I that awful a person? Do I really annoy you that much? All you had to do was tell me and I'd have left you alone!" That wasn't entirely true. But right now he was so upset, and it was everyone's fault. This was, officially, his first temper tantrum.
"I'MGOINGNOW'KAYTHANKYOU!" He turned on his heels, and began to stomp off.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:30 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:40 pm
The cub glanced over his shoulders, and bristled at the sight of Nukta following behind him. Sure, the lion didn't look like he was too interested in following Ezeoha, but it was still following, and it got on the cub's nerves. Though, what was worse was the fact that Mosi had drifted back to sleep. He was so upset and she didn't care enough to remain awake and see what was wrong!
He felt his heart shrivel in pain. Mosi didn't care, and Nukta probably didn't care as well. He bit his bottom lip, holding back a cry of despair. Just because he liked to be flirtatious didn't give everyone the right to hate him, and yet here they were, doing just that.
For the first time in his life he did not want the company of a female, and for the first time in his life he was considering what was outside of the Pridelands. He was just oh so tempted to leave and escape from the horror of nearly everyone hating him. His own mother probably disliked him the most out of his siblings.
"IWANTTERBELOVED!" He yelled, turning his stomping off into a running off.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:50 pm
"..." Nukta's jaw fell.
Okay. NOW he was definitely baffled.
He sat back onto his haunches abruptly, sending Mosi tumbling from his shoulders and rolling across the ground with a suddenly very awake squeak.
She landed rather indignantly, hindquarters up in the air with her tail flopped over her face and her paws flailing to right herself. Growling in irritation, first for being jarred out of her sleep, then outright YANKED, Mosi toppled onto her back and pulled herself up enough that she could glare at Nukta. Dust and dirt littered her pelt, and the fur on top of her head was toussled and sticking upright like wild grass, accented by the brown residue from the ground.
"DAAAD!! What was that for?!"
Nukta didn't answer, simply looking after the younger cub with a frown and a rough exhale.
.... Okay, maybe he'd been a little too hard on him. Ezzy apparently didn't have a father figure role model in his life, maybe that was why he acted the way he did, flirting constantly. Did he really feel unloved? Was that why he sought so much female attention? But then, why only females?
"Huh...? Where's Ezzy going? ... Dad? DAD!!" Mosi glared, Nukta was ignoring her, and awfully quiet. It was supicious!
She got to her paws, still unaware of her jostled state, and growled, biting at Nukta's paw until he lifted it-- and her with it --off the ground absently.
"Whatddidyoodota'izzy?" She growled from around a mouthful of black fur.
"Why do you assume it was MY fault??" D<
"Becauseeverythingisyourfault! Oofh!!" She flexed her jaw and stood again from where she'd just dropped to the ground, sending Nukta another dry look. "Mom said so!"
Nukta snorted in reply, leaning down and roughly running his tongue over Mosi's face and head, smoothing down her fur and cleaning the dust off of her head. "Oh shut up and go after him." He muttered tolerably, getting to his paws again and turning in the direction of a few rocks where he'd be able to get a decent perch to spy from.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:06 pm
Ezeoha felt blinded, and it just wasn't by the tears. He loved flirting with females, alright. But it seemed impossible for him to make a male friend. He had become so accostomed to talking to females only that he just didn't seem brutish enough for the other male cubs. Baakir probably looked tougher than he did. It was a dilemma. He had few male friends, and his obvious advances were putting off the females. He barely hung around his mother, and he only argued with his siblings. Ezeoha was beginning to feel rather isolated.
The cub ran, jumped into the air, and attempted to leap over a rock that was a little too large for him. His back legs hit the stone and he tumbled forward, falling and cursing in unison. His coordination was disintigrating, and his rationality along with it.
"It's not fair!" He wasn't exaggerating what wasn't fair; that was all kept in his head so he could leave everyone else in ignorant bliss. The cub kicked at a rock, and looked back. Nukta was gone, but Mosi was there... and coming towards him.
"Get'way!" His fur bristled, and his eyes flashed with anger, hiding away the pain and the realizations that came flooding towards him. To sum things up: He was a total wreck.
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Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:13 pm
Mosi's irritation from being woken up both did and didn't dissipate as the situation subdued. It was the closest thing to peaceful sleep she had, talk about bogus, her dreams had been keeping her up to all hours lately either for trying to discern them, or for not being able to fall back asleep after something startling. Now both her best friend and her father were acting WEIRD and she wasn't gonna take it anymore!
"Yeah right, Ezzy, you expect me to just say 'Okay sure whatever!' and leave you alone while you're acting like this?" She snorted, jumping up onto the rock and looking down at her toussled friend with a stern look. She was probably about to get blindsided, having missed the entire conversation, or at least one would guess so. "Why were you yelling at me? What's wrong with you?"
Oh dear, the question was asked in genuine concern, but her word choice (a result of her own crabiness) didn't come out the best that it could.
She lept down from the rock nimbly, circling around behind Ezzy so that he would have to go back the way he came if he wanted to get away from her. Her words might've come off the wrong way, but her eyes couldn't lie, and there was also the fact that she was there.
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